Worth the drive: Headlands Birding Festival celebrates fall migrations

The Headlands Birding Festival will be held Sept. 19-21 in Mentor, Ohio. Contributed

Credit: Contributed

Credit: Contributed

The Headlands Birding Festival will be held Sept. 19-21 in Mentor, Ohio. Contributed
Lifestyles
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10 hours ago
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Many of Ohio’s native bird species will soon begin their migration, heading south for the season as temperatures drop. This occasion is marked by the annual Headlands Birding Festival, where enthusiasts can partake in a number of guided tours, listen to a speaker and more.

This year, the event will be Sept. 19-21, with activities taking place throughout Headlands Beach State Park and the nearby town of Mentor.

The event will kick off at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 19 with the Springbrook Gardens Evening Bird Walk. Hosted by Mentor City Staff, participants stroll through the park as they learn about various restoration efforts it has undergone.

For those interested in getting into bird watching, but not sure where to start, the festival will offer free beginner bird walks at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at the park.

Additional free events will also be throughout the weekend. For instance, from 1 p.m.-1:50 p.m. Saturday, there will be a discussion on the Ohio’s invasive bird species, followed by a talk at 2 p.m. focusing on how to create buildings less hazardous for birds.

The Headlands Birding Festival will be held Sept. 19-21 in Mentor, Ohio. Contributed

Credit: Contributed

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Credit: Contributed

At 3 p.m., there will be a seminar on eBird, an app which allows users to digitally track bird sightings. This beginner-friendly course will discuss the basics of the app, as well as how to explore species data, contribute to conservation and more.

ExploreSee also: 2025 fall festivals across the Dayton region

Alongside these free programs, guests can also register for a keynote talk for $20. Led by national history writer and illustrator Julie Zickefoose, the address will discuss her life story and what inspired her to study birds. This is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday evening, however participants are invited to a social hour at 5:30 p.m.

At 7:30 a.m. Saturday, guests can take to the waves of Lake Erie on a boat, as experts will help identify species of migrating birds. This activity, titled “Lake Erie Pelagic” will cost $95.

All of these programs will have limited capacity, so guests are recommended to register for the festival online. Additionally, registrants will received a printed schedule for the festival, a sticker and a bookmark.

The Headlands Birding Festival will be held Sept. 19-21 in Mentor, Ohio. Contributed

Credit: Contributed

icon to expand image

Credit: Contributed

However, all guests are welcome to the Blackbrook Audubon Big Sit at 8 a.m. on Saturday. Attendees will receive free coffee and donuts as they watch for warblers and other migrants.

Aside from the programs, there will also be various food trucks and local vendors.

HOW TO GO

What: Headlands Birding Festival

When: Sept. 19-21

Location: 9601 Headlands Road, Mentor

More info: friendsofheadlandsbeach.org

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About the Author

Born and raised in the Dayton area, Alex Cutler has always had a deep passion for the city and its history.  In 2022, he received his degrees in Multimedia Journalism and Communications from Sinclair Community College.